I HOPE YOU ALL HAD AN AMAZING CHRISTMAS AND CHANUKAH! Here is AMARANTHINE’S HOLIDAY CARD TO YOU!
We were popular on the beach that day.
We even have a sandman thanks to Jessica!
Yesterday marked my first Christmas away from my family and friends.
Driving in the back of a pick up with a giant speaker that was being transported to the family Christmas feast, currently served as a table to 5 cakes that we were bringing along. Winding through the back dirt roads we stood shouting FELIZ NATAL to anyone passing by. This usually got returned with a surprised look on their faces, smile or obrigada (thank you).
Once we arrived we were quickly ushered us to sit down and get comfortable. We noticed that we were the only women sitting, so we jumped up and joined in. I got requested to pluck the freshly slaughtered chicken. I declined and offered to peel and cut potatoes into French fries or “chips.” For 2 hours I peeled and cut potatoes with a butter knife without a cutting board. Its amazing what tools you don’t actually “need” in a kitchen. I learned a lot about simplicity this Christmas. We had great girl chat under the shade from the mango tree that covered us above. I was amazed that Julia (Felito’s (our contacts husband) sister) sitting next to me had killed, plucked, gutted and bbq’d the meat. Ah-mazing!
Once dinner was all prepared we gathered around the feasting table to spoon up plates for the kids and teens. Then it was our turn to serve up (as guests). Followed by the men and then the women.
After dinner the men began a group prayer and worship time to thank the Lord for what He has provided over this past year. It was crazy to think that this year is almost over and see just how much the Lord has brought me through and taught me.
That is when the music kicked in on that huge speaker that we carried over. The whole family joined together for dancing and laughing. The kids took center stage! This was such a blast. When English songs came on that we knew the words to Jessica, Wendy and I would break out in interpretive dance. I am sure that the family thought we were weirdos, but it always ended in claps and laughter.
There is no such thing as left overs or waste. I saw every bit of chicken get used, so it was no surprise that they brought out the left overs after the dance party for round two along with the cakes that we had brought. 2nd dinner sounded good to me. I laughed with every bite as I watched the clouds part and the most beautiful sky full of stars shine through. The night was so clear that I am pretty sure that I was able to see Mars and Venus along with every constellation. It was a beautiful night to say the least.
The Lord blessed us so well yesterday. Loved by the family, it was a Christmas to remember!
